Ice Skating Adventure

This afternoon we went ice skating!  We are fortunate enough to have a nice ice rink just 35 minutes away (maybe more if the traffic is bad) from us.   While the weather is no where near cold enough to freeze a mud puddle let alone a large body of water the rink was perfect. It was really hard to get photos, but here are a few that turned out.

In the beginning Kody and Peter-Leo spent a considerable amount of time on the wall. Peter-Leo eventually ventured off with a little bit of possible cousin bonding (I certainly hope Isaac knows how to ice skate because I told him he did!)  Kody was either with Monty (or me) or using her death grip on the wall. poor thing.

Kody's death grip on the wall.

Daddy and Kody skating.

Trying to get back up.

Most of the time she was skating with Daddy like this
and she had a blast!

Peter-Leo and I. I pulled him off the wall and made him try to skate in the middle.

And it worked, he was doing good;
a little wobbly but with time he would have been good.

I must say we had fun, even if the kids only lasted a hour. Honestly, an hour on the ice when you are either scared or slipping and falling is probably enough.  I had fun after finding my footing I was doing good.  Not to brag or anything.. but in that last photo I look awesome!!  Just saying!!

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Michelle

YAY! for an early Christmas present.. for me!

As many of you know. I am the ultimate snooper when it comes to presents. I do not like being surprised and because of that I find out what people are buying me ahead of time. Don't worry I have the most awesome "that is just what I want and I am totally surprised" face EVER! Honestly, I can't remember a single time when I wasn't really happy with whatever gift I got. I just want to know when I want to know not when you want me to know. Got that?

With that being said, Monty tried his best to hide my Christmas present. Let's just go through the steps of figuring this out. First, I have been wanting a new camera for a while... especially since my beloved little fuji camera's battery/SD card compartment lid snapped during the summer.  I duct taped it for a bit and a few months ago Monty saudered (check the spelling on that as I am not sure) two snap thingees on it.  And that worked great, until a few weeks ago when the ribbon stuff started separating from the snap and it wasn't holding it shut anymore. (Back to duct tape =( but I made do.)  But I have had my eye on this lovely little Canon Rebel as it was a good step up for me. 

Second, he told me that a box "would be coming next week and don't open it." Duh, that's like daring me to do it! Saying 'don't open it' translates to OPEN IT! QUICK!! (Which I promptly did when the box came!! )

Third, he also told me not to check the bank account. Umm hello I check it everyday. When I see a charge for x amount of money normally I would go to that website and search for things around that price range. Yes. I am that way. Get over it, it is all for fun. Sometimes I don't think the 'gift' is the actual gift as I usually have a greater joy trying to figure out what it is!

Fourth (and by far the funniest:) the dork left the ordering status up on his computer, so when I went to check my email on his computer. It was right there!! ORDER COMPLETE!  hahahahahaha!! silly boy!

Needless to say the last couple days I have been happily spending time trying to figure out how to use my new Canon Rebel EOS T3 high speed and fancy camera. Thanks sweetie!!

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Michelle

a box and a girl

Does anyone know how truly amazing my Dad is? And half the time he doesn't even plan it... he is just amazing. Why? Well, today we recieved his package with the kids' Christmas gifts.  Of course I opened the box and put the presents under the tree. Before I could move the box to the floor Kody, who has been sick and housebound for a couple days asked for the box. Sure.

 And an afternoon of fun began...

First she had to color the box a bit.

And on the inside too!

It is completely necessary to roll around a bit too.

Then tip the box up and prepare to..

Climb inside and color some more!!

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Michelle

..a ferry, a historic island, a boy and his mother...

made for one great adventure! Last Wednesday Peter-Leo's gifted class took a field trip to Cumberland Island, Georgia. We took the ferry boat from St. Mary's to the island.  We learned alot and had fun.

Here are a few of the many photos I took that day.. just the hightlights of the highlights!

Good bye St. Mary's, Georgia.

Boys (Peter-Leo is far R) as they chill on the top deck of the ferry boat.

One of the 200 wild horses on the island.

Class walking the carriage road to the Dungeness Mansion Ruins.

Peter-Leo in front of the ruins.

Searching the marsh.

 Along with the history of  the island, it offered different ecosystems for the kids to see marsh, ocean shore, forest and one other that I can't remember.

 From the marsh you walk through what I called the desert, which was a bunch of dunes. Along the way these weathered tree trunks were just wonderful to see. After the dunes.. we hit the beach!!

Two horseshoe crab molt/shells.  There were about 15 on the shore.
And yes I took one home!

Maritime Forest, I loved seeing all the trees. It was amazing.

After the beach we passed along another boardwalk into the Maritime Forest. These trees, Live Oaks, were all bent and twisted. They grow that way due to the ocean winds. The whole forest was warmer and much quieter than any part of the island. The trees offer this magnificant sound and wind barrier. It was just a very calm and peaceful feeling as we sat and eat our snacks.

Peter-Leo and Momma in the Maritime Forest.

After a long day of walking and exploring the history and nature of this beautiful island, we caught the last ferry back to St. Mary's.  While I wish I had stronger sea legs... the setting sun was worth the 45 minutes of nausea.

Sunset from the ferry ride home. It was another magical moment that day.

Peter-Leo on the starboard side of the boat at sunset.

Momma and Peter-Leo on the stern of the ferry, on our way home!

Is he a happy kid or what?

If you are ever in our part of the world, a day trip to Cumberland Island is worth the money (and seasickness.)  I am blessed to have spent the day with Peter-Leo in such a beautiful place filled with history and adventure.

For a looky at all the photos I took that day, click on the link below that will take you to an online photo album.

http://photobucket.com/cumberlandisland2011

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Michelle

Let the Christmas Season Begin..

Tonight we *finally* put up and decorated our Christmas tree.  It is my hope that I always see my kids having fun  and grabbing "their" ornaments. Plus the look of excitement when putting them on the tree. Thankfully tonight was no different.  One more thing would have made it perfect, my Dad. If only we lived by him or he moved here. He could be here with us. Okay, enough dreaming. 

Here are a few photos.. yes just a "few!"

Peter-Leo adds his key to the tree.

Fresh from a bath, Kody adds her red key, right next to Peter-Leo's.

Peter-Leo and Daddy adding more!!

One of my favorites!!

 Truly a wonderful shot, minus the belly, Kody asked Monty to lift her up so she could hang the ornament in the spot she couldn't reach. SO. CUTE.

All finished!

What a special time; that moment the tree instantly glows with magic! All bright and pretty, the ornaments shining. MAGIC!

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Michelle

Jacksonville Boat Parade and Fireworks Show

This was our second year going with the Prostrollos to the Jacksonville Boat Parade and Fireworks.  It was so much fun.  It takes place on the St. John's River and the boats are always fun to watch, plus the rise the middle section of the bridge for them to go under on the parade route.

Our view on the Jacksonville Landing of the bridge, that will have fireworks cascading down!

 Still amazing to see them raise the bridge up for the boats to pass through on the parade route!

 Peter-Leo and Kody waiting for the boats to pass by on the parade route!

This boat is one of my favorites, The Sons of Norway Viking Ship!

After the boat parade and before the fireworks, the kids were trying to be soo good!!

Kody and Erin waiting for the fireworks.

 Erin is like another daughter to us and Kody adores her!!

And the best part of the night... the fireworks cascading down from the bridge.

It is always incredibly beautiful to see them. It is amazing!

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Michelle

Thanksgiving Adventures

We had lots and lots of fun with the Prostrollo family over the Thanksgiving holiday. We spent Wednesday and Thursday at their house. We always have fun with them. We laugh and talk and laugh some more!!

Here are some photos from our 2 days at their place.

A view to the lake on the camp.

On the walking tour of the camp, here is the bridge that spans across the lake.

Erin and Kody busting a move to some game on the Wii

At the last minute Dana and I decided we should have smores!
Despite the look Kody loves them!

Climbing the dirt mountain.

Look Mom we made it to the top!!

A closer shot of them at the top of the dirt pile/mountain.

Down in the lake, you can see some of the remodeling they are
doing to create spawning areas and more depth for future wild life.

Later in the day we went back to the dirt mountain,
here is Peter-Leo laying in the hollow space caused by water erosion.

 That photo is important because while we were climbing it and playing... the kids were talking about the water erosion in the dirt and how it would take thousands of years for the water cause a rock to look like the dirt did. What smart kids I have!!

Peter-Leo's runway for his lego airplane.

 Another great story, Peter-Leo drew the runway and tried with no success to "fly" the lego plane.  He told me he needed more force and velocity underneath the wing span so it could life off. Uncle Everrett had a box fan, but it wasn't enough, and neither was the leaf blower or the air compessor. Oh well back to the drawing board for this Wright Brother!!

Monty on the bridge.

 While we were walking around the camp on Thanksgiving Day I was exploring one side of the dried up lake bed and discovered a bunch of animals bones.  So I called to the kids and Monty ""I found a bunch of bones on the other side of the lake, wanna go find more?" to which they answered "where? let's go!" (from Peter-Leo) and "Can we find a dinosaurs' bones too?" (from Kody.)  Sadly we did not find any dinosaur bones, however we did find gator, deer, and possibly beaver bones.

For me this trip was one of the best. The kids and I got to explore and learn about science and brought it to life, making it touchable and real.  Anytime my kids and I are learning; we are living and we love it!!

Plus we got to see and be with our bestest friends!!  I do not call many people friends but Dana & Everrett and Erin and Tia (even though she wasn't there) are.  I am so grateful to have them!!  I can't wait until we get to spend more time with them!

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Michelle

Kody's 5th Birthday Party!!

This afternoon Kody had her first "officially asking her classmates and friends to come over" birthday party. It was a fun. 

In her party clothes!

Yes, I am FIVE!!

Outside for the "nicer" photos.

Birthday Girl and party guests!!

Squishy face with Daddy

Playing "Pin the bow on Minnie Mouse."

This is Kody explaining how to whack the pinata.

One of her swings at the pinata.

All the loot to fill their goodie bags.

This boy is Kody's bestest friend and her "boyfriend."

Almost time to blow out the candle!!

A quick family shot and how funny
is it that "boyfriend" made into the photograph! LOL!

After this everyone (adults and kids) just ate cake and ice cream and relaxed.  It was a good experience for me as it was my first offical party for Kody. Kody had a great time with her friends from school... and honestly I can't wait until next year when I get to plan another one!!

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Michelle